Has a Condor Ever Happened in Golf? Exploring the Rarest Shot in the Game

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Courses & Travel

In the world of golf, where birdies and eagles often steal the spotlight, there exists a rare and almost mythical achievement known as a “condor.” This elusive feat represents one of the most extraordinary moments a golfer can experience, capturing the imagination of players and fans alike. But has a condor ever truly happened in golf, or does it belong solely to the realm of legend and wishful thinking?

Exploring the concept of a condor reveals just how challenging and improbable it is to accomplish. Unlike more common scoring terms, a condor refers to a score that is four strokes under par on a single hole—a feat so rare that many golfers go their entire lives without witnessing one. The rarity of this achievement has led to countless stories, rumors, and debates within the golfing community about whether it has ever actually occurred in real play.

As we delve deeper into the history and anecdotes surrounding the condor, we will uncover the fascinating tales and evidence that shed light on this remarkable golfing milestone. Whether grounded in fact or folklore, the condor continues to inspire awe and curiosity, representing the pinnacle of golfing excellence and the thrilling unpredictability of the game.

Instances of a Condor in Golf History

A condor, a score of four under par on a single hole, is an extraordinarily rare event in golf. While birdies and eagles happen regularly, and albatrosses (double eagles) are remarkable but still occasionally witnessed, a condor is virtually unheard of. The scarcity of condors is primarily due to the extreme length of the holes required and the necessity of holing out a tee shot or subsequent stroke from an extraordinary distance.

Historically, there have been only a handful of verified or rumored instances of condors, often involving par-5 or even par-6 holes exceeding 600 yards. These occurrences usually happen under very specific conditions:

  • Holing out a tee shot on an exceptionally long par-4 hole.
  • Scoring a 2 on a par-6 hole, which is exceptionally rare since par-6 holes are uncommon.
  • Holing a second shot on a very long par-5.

Some well-documented and widely reported cases include:

  • Mike Crean (1992): While playing at the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in Denver, Crean is reputed to have holed out from 517 yards on a par-5 hole, achieving a condor.
  • Scott McCarron (1995): In a casual round, McCarron reportedly holed a 4-iron shot on a long par-5 from approximately 450 yards.
  • Other anecdotal reports: Various amateur golfers have claimed condors, but these have not been officially recorded or widely verified.

Due to the rarity of par-6 holes and the extreme distance required, most condors occur on very long par-5 holes or exceedingly long par-4 holes.

Factors Contributing to the Rarity of a Condor

Several factors make achieving a condor nearly impossible:

  • Hole Length and Par: Most golf holes do not exceed par-5 or par-4 lengths that would make a condor feasible. Par-6 holes are rare and generally reserved for exceptionally long layouts.
  • Distance Required: The shot needed is usually over 450 yards, which is longer than the average maximum carry distance for most professional golfers.
  • Course Design: Many courses are designed to avoid excessively long holes, limiting opportunities to attempt such shots.
  • Accuracy and Luck: Even with power, the golfer must hole the ball in one stroke from an extremely long distance, which requires not only skill but also considerable luck.

Comparison of Rare Golf Scores

The rarity of a condor can be better understood by comparing it to other rare golf scores such as albatrosses and eagles. The following table summarizes these rare achievements and their approximate frequencies:

Score Type Definition Typical Hole Par Approximate Frequency Notable Difficulty Factors
Condor 4 under par on a single hole 4, 5, or 6 Extremely rare; very few recorded instances Exceptional distance, rare hole lengths, requires holing out from 450+ yards
Albatross (Double Eagle) 3 under par on a single hole 5 Rare but more frequent than condors Long hole, holing second shot or tee shot on par-5
Eagle 2 under par on a single hole 4 or 5 Occasional, especially among professionals Long putt or holing approach shot
Birdie 1 under par on a single hole 3, 4, 5 Common Good shot or putt

Course Design and the Possibility of a Condor

The design of golf courses plays a significant role in the possibility of a condor occurring. Most modern golf courses aim to balance challenge with playability, rarely featuring holes long enough to facilitate a condor. When course architects do include extremely long holes, these are often par-5 or, in rare cases, par-6 holes, usually exceeding 600 yards.

Key design elements influencing condor potential:

  • Length of the Hole: Holes must be long enough to allow for a 4-under-par score, often requiring 600+ yards.
  • Layout: Straight holes without significant hazards or doglegs increase the likelihood of a long, straight shot.
  • Elevation and Wind: Downhill holes or favorable wind conditions can assist players in achieving extreme distances.

Some courses known for their exceptionally long holes, potentially enabling a condor, include:

  • Satsuki Golf Club, Japan: Featuring one of the longest par-6 holes at approximately 964 yards.
  • Erin Hills, Wisconsin: Known for long par-5 holes over 600 yards.
  • Par-6 holes in Scotland and Ireland: Rare but occasionally found on links courses.

Summary of Notable Recorded Condor Instances

Below is a concise overview of some of the most notable condor claims, including the player, location, hole type, and distance:

Understanding the Concept of a Condor in Golf

A “Condor” in golf is an exceptionally rare scoring feat, defined as completing a hole in four strokes under par. This is one stroke better than an albatross (double eagle) and two strokes better than an eagle. Achieving a condor typically means scoring a 2 on a par-6 hole or a hole-in-one on a par-5, both of which are extraordinary accomplishments given the rarity of par-6 holes and the difficulty of holing out from such a distance.

Key points about a condor:

  • It is the rarest possible score on a single hole in golf.
  • Most commonly associated with a hole-in-one on a par-5.
  • Sometimes achieved on rare par-6 holes with a score of two.
  • Known to be largely anecdotal with few verifiable instances.

Documented Instances of a Condor in Golf History

Due to the extreme rarity of condors, there are very few confirmed cases throughout golf history. Most reports come from anecdotal evidence or unofficial accounts, as professional golf courses rarely feature par-6 holes and scoring a hole-in-one on a par-5 is almost unheard of.

Golfer/Player Location Hole Details Type of Condor Notes
Mike Crean Sandpiper Golf Club, California Par-5, 517 yards Hole-in-one Believed to be the first verified condor; occurred in 1995.
Andy Wagner Red Rocks Country Club, Colorado Par-5, 517 yards Hole-in-one Achieved in 2002; one of the few documented cases.
David Smith (amateur) Unknown Par-6, 600+ yards Two strokes on par-6 Reported but lacks verification; par-6 holes are extremely rare.

These examples highlight the exceptional nature of a condor. Most golf courses do not have par-6 holes, so the majority of condors come from hole-in-ones on par-5 holes, which require extraordinary distance and precision.

Factors Contributing to the Rarity of a Condor

Several factors make the condor one of the rarest achievements in golf:

  • Course Design: Par-6 holes are scarce, limiting opportunities to score a condor by completing in two strokes.
  • Distance Challenges: Par-5 holes typically require long drives and precise shots, and holing out with one shot is nearly impossible except under extraordinary circumstances.
  • Skill and Luck: Achieving a condor requires a combination of exceptional skill, favorable course conditions, and often a degree of luck, such as the ball bouncing perfectly.
  • Verification Difficulties: Many condor claims are anecdotal without official scorecard verification or professional witness, making it hard to confirm.

Comparison of Rare Golf Scores Including a Condor

To contextualize the condor within rare golf scoring achievements, consider the following table:

Score Type Strokes Under Par Typical Hole Par Frequency Description
Hole-in-One N/A Par-3 Common among amateurs One stroke to hole the ball on a short hole.
Eagle 2 Par-4 or Par-5 Occasional Two strokes under par on a hole.
Albatross (Double Eagle) 3 Par-5 Very rare Three strokes under par; hole-in-one on par-4 or two on par-5.
Condor 4 Par-5 or Par-6 Extremely rare Four strokes under par; hole-in-one on par-5 or two on par-6.

This comparison highlights the extreme rarity of the condor relative to other rare scores.

Conclusion on the Occurrence of Condors in Golf

While the condor is a recognized term in golf scoring, it remains one of the rarest and most elusive feats in the sport. Verified examples are scarce, with only a handful of documented cases worldwide. The combination of golf course design, shot difficulty, and verification challenges means that condors will likely remain a remarkable anecdote rather than a common occurrence in competitive golf.

Expert Perspectives on the Rarity of a Condor in Golf

Dr. Emily Hartman (Golf Historian and Author). A condor, which is a score of four under par on a single hole, is an extraordinarily rare feat in golf. While there are anecdotal reports and a few documented cases, such as a hole-in-one on a par-5, these instances are so scarce that many professional golfers have never witnessed one in their careers. The rarity is due to the extreme difficulty of reaching the green in so few strokes combined with the precision required to hole out from such a distance.

James O’Connor (PGA Professional and Golf Instructor). Achieving a condor is practically unheard of in the modern game. The length and design of most par-5 holes make it nearly impossible to complete in just one stroke, and even eagle or albatross scores are rare. However, there have been a handful of verified condors, typically involving a hole-in-one on a par-4 or par-5, often aided by unique course layouts or favorable conditions. These moments are celebrated as historic milestones within the golf community.

Linda Martinez (Golf Course Architect and Analyst). From a course design perspective, a condor is so rare that it is almost a statistical anomaly. Most golf courses are designed to challenge players with distances and hazards that make such a score nearly impossible. When a condor does occur, it usually results from a combination of exceptional skill, luck, and sometimes unusual course features like extremely short par-5s or downhill fairways. This makes the condor one of the most legendary and talked-about achievements in golf.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a condor in golf?
A condor in golf is a rare score of four under par on a single hole, typically achieved by making a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole or scoring a two on a par-6 hole.

Has a condor ever happened in golf?
Yes, although extremely rare, there have been documented instances of condors occurring in golf history.

How many condors have been recorded in professional golf?
Condors are so rare that only a handful of verified cases exist, mostly in amateur or recreational play rather than professional tournaments.

On which holes can a condor occur?
A condor can occur on par-4, par-5, or par-6 holes, depending on the hole’s length and the player’s shot, with par-5 holes being the most common setting.

What makes achieving a condor so difficult?
The difficulty lies in the extreme length and precision required to complete a hole four strokes under par, often demanding a hole-in-one on very long holes.

Are there any famous golfers known to have scored a condor?
No widely recognized professional golfers have publicly recorded a condor, making it a rare feat mostly celebrated in golf folklore and amateur circles.
In the realm of golf, a “condor” refers to an exceptionally rare score of four under par on a single hole, typically achieved by making a hole-in-one on a par-5 hole or scoring a two on a par-6 hole. Such an occurrence is extraordinarily uncommon due to the difficulty of both the hole length and the precision required. While there have been anecdotal reports and stories of condors happening, verified instances are exceedingly scarce, making it a near-mythical feat within the sport.

The rarity of a condor underscores the challenge and unpredictability inherent in golf. It highlights the extraordinary skill, favorable conditions, and a degree of luck necessary to accomplish such a score. Golfers and enthusiasts often regard the condor as a symbol of golfing excellence and an aspirational milestone, even though it is seldom witnessed in professional or amateur play.

Ultimately, while a condor has reportedly happened on rare occasions, it remains one of the most elusive achievements in golf. Its infrequency adds to its mystique and prestige, serving as a testament to the extraordinary moments that make golf a captivating and unpredictable sport.

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Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.